The decision to reimagine your workplace—whether by renovating your existing space or searching for a new one—is a pivotal moment for any business. It’s not just about finding more room or updating aesthetics; it’s an opportunity to align your environment with your company’s goals, culture, and future.
To make the most of your commercial real estate strategy, partnering with a professional interior design firm early in the process can be transformative. Designers bring more than creative vision—we offer strategic expertise in operations, employee engagement, brand identity and futureproofing, ensuring your workspace becomes a powerful tool for success.
Interior design isn't just about aesthetics. It’s about creating environments that represent your brand, drive productivity, and support your long-term goals. Our job is to think beyond the immediate needs and design for where your business is headed.
Eric Yorath, Principal at Figure3
When businesses begin the search for new real estate, the focus often lands on location, price, and square footage. While these are important, involving a designer before committing to a lease can save significant time, money, and effort. Designers bring a wealth of knowledge that includes construction costs, industry trends, and even insights into landlord negotiations. We can assess how a space fits your needs—not just today, but for years to come.
Take, for example, building infrastructure. An interior designer evaluates whether a potential space is equipped for your operational and technological requirements. From understanding occupancy load, to ensuring seamless integration of smart office technologies, our expertise prevents costly surprises after the lease is signed.
"We look at factors that may not be obvious but are crucial for the space to function as intended," Yorath adds. "This foresight helps businesses avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions."
By deeply understanding your brand and business objectives, designers help align physical space with strategic goals. A well-designed workspace has the power to amplify culture, improve employee well-being, and enhance productivity. This is particularly critical in a competitive landscape, where attracting and retaining top talent depends on the quality of the workplace experience.
“As the job market evolves, many companies are shifting their thinking—treating employees and candidates more like consumers. It’s no longer just about offering a desk; it’s about creating an experience. A company’s brand, values, and workplace design now play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. Just like customers, employees need to buy into the culture, purpose, and vision of where they work.” states Wilkinson.
When Manulife, a leading international financial services group, decided to consolidate teams at their Kitchener-Waterloo office, they partnered with Figure3 to completely rethink how it functioned in order to improve efficiencies in the way their employees work. The result was transformative and included transitioning to an activity-based workplace model that emphasized collaboration and flexibility while staying rooted in the company’s mission and values. The design wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a fundamental shift in how the space supported employees and business goals alike.
The intent was to connect Manulife’s mission and values with a new approach to service—one that felt personal and resonated deeply with the individuals occupying the space. The design had to represent Manulife both visually and experientially while maintaining consistency across their global portfolio. We developed flexible standards that could adapt to the range of buildings, settings, and conditions within their portfolio, integrating dynamic brand-aligned features that could be tailored to suit each environment.
Learn more about the Manulife Project.
An early partnership with a design firm can also maximize budgets. Designers are adept at balancing financial constraints with creative solutions, ensuring your resources are allocated wisely. For example, a seemingly inexpensive lease might require costly renovations, while a slightly higher initial investment could save significant funds down the line by minimizing the need for structural changes. Designers help forecast these costs, giving you a clear picture before committing. In some cases, designers even advocate on your behalf during lease negotiations, securing landlord concessions such as phased construction or allowances for customization. These strategic advantages can lead to smoother transitions and greater flexibility, minimizing disruption to business operations.
Design is about more than making something look beautiful—it’s about how a space works for the people using it,” says Tamara Rooks, Creative Director, Workplace at Figure3. “When we design, we consider workflow, employee engagement, and the potential for future growth. We know what’s working across industries and bring that insight to every project.”
The benefits extend well into the renovation process. Designers coordinate phased construction plans that allow businesses to continue operating during the transformation. They also integrate sustainability initiatives, ESG goals, and accessibility standards into the design, creating spaces that are inclusive, forward-thinking, and environmentally responsible.
In 2024, Menkes Development Ltd. took a bold approach when reimagining their head office at 4711 Yonge St. Rather than relocating, Menkes chose to transform their existing environment, using design to foster greater collaboration among teams previously spread across multiple floors. With Figure3’s guidance, they achieved a sophisticated new look that respects the company’s legacy while signaling a forward-thinking approach. “Our divisions are collaborating more than ever,” notes Sean Menkes, Vice President, Office/Retail at Menkes Developments, “which will surely benefit our culture and success for years to come.”
Learn more about the Menkes Project.
Key Takeaways:
- Interior designers provide strategic expertise beyond aesthetics, offering insights into business operations, employee engagement, and long-term planning. Their involvement ensures your workspace supports both immediate needs and future growth.
- Engaging a design firm early in the real estate process saves time and money, as they help assess spaces for operational, technological, and growth potential. This proactive approach prevents costly mistakes and ensures your space aligns with your business’s goals.
- Designers optimize budgets and strengthen lease negotiations, providing accurate cost forecasting and advocating for allowances or phased construction plans. Their expertise ensures resources are used efficiently, avoiding hidden expenses.
- A well-designed workspace enhances employee well-being, collaboration, and productivity, aligning physical spaces with company culture and strategic objectives. Designers create environments that inspire and empower teams.
- Future-proofing is built into every design, with designers incorporating advanced technologies, sustainability initiatives, and accessibility standards to create adaptable, inclusive, and forward-thinking spaces.
“Great design isn’t just about creating beautiful environments, it’s about building workplaces that work for the people in them,” Yorath notes. “That’s the difference a professional designer brings.”
At Figure3, we take a human-centered and strategic approach to design. By connecting people to place, we create environments that inspire and empower. Whether you’re staying put or searching for new real estate, partnering with a design firm early helps transform your workspace into a catalyst for success.
Read Part 1 of this article: A balanced perspective on approaching workplace real estate; should you stay or go?
